One of the Best Modern Amplifiers Just Got Even Better
One of Sonos's biggest rivals just gave its flagship streaming amplifier a key audiophile upgrade.
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Last year, Bluesound introduced a new-and-improved version of its Powernode streaming amplifier , which was last updated in 2021 and has been one of the most popular rivals to Sonos's Amp for the last several years.
Like its previous iterations, the Powernode is positioned as a "just add speakers" amplifier. It supports the company's BluOS multi-room streaming platform and can drive some pretty high-end loudspeakers.
However, the 2025-released Powernode is more powerful than previous models, capable of driving 100 watts (an upgrade from 80 watts) per channel. And thanks to third pair of binding posts for a center channel speaker, it supports larger home theater systems.
Now, thanks to a recent software update, Bluesound has made its flagship streaming amplifier even better.
The latest Powernode features a third pair of binding posts to support a center-channel speaker. On its own, it supports a 3.1-channel home theater setup, but can be upgraded to a 5.1-channel system with wireless rear-channel speakers. - Credit: Bluesound
Powernode, upgraded
Nearly one year after Bluesound introduced its latest and greatest Powernode streaming amplifier, the company has revealed that it's rolling out a software update that upgrades it with an audiophile feature: support for Dirac Live room correction technology.
For those unfamiliar, Dirac's Live room correction technology can be viewed as a more advanced version of Sonos's TruPlay. Instead of using the speaker's built-in microphone and your iPhone to optimize your system's sound, Dirac Live requires a special microphone and proprietary software.
(Note: In addition to the Powernode, Bluesound has rolled out Dirac Live support to its other components, including the Node and Node Icon streamers, as well as its Node Edge streaming amplifier.)
Dirac Live lets you tune your home theater system more accurately to the space it's in. - Credit: Bluesound
The Powernode runs BluOS, but supports other streaming services including Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, as well as AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive) streaming. - Credit: Bluesound
The company's press release states:
"Dirac Live is widely recognized for its ability to correct both frequency response and impulse response, going beyond traditional EQ to deliver a more accurate and natural listening experience. By addressing common acoustic challenges such as reflections, standing waves, and uneven bass, Dirac Live helps eliminate distortions introduced by the listening environment itself."
In a nutshell, the update lets current Powernode owners make their hi-fi system sound even better. But it doesn't come for free.
The Powernode has a dedicated headphone amplifier with a standard 6.3mm jack located front and center. - Credit: Bluesound
The 2025-released Powernode has a diverse array of inputs and outputs so that you can connect your turntable, CD player, or even your TV (thanks to an HDMI eARC input). - Credit: Bluesound
Free support, extra cost
That's right: even though the Powernode now supports Dirac Live, to tune your system with it, you have to purchase a calibration kit.
This includes a licensing fee for the proprietary software and the necessary microphone to tune the system, which can range from $159 to $349, depending on the package (based on the frequency range of your system).
For true audiophiles with an elite system, it's a small cost. But still, it's not nothing.
Bluesound sells the Powernode streaming amplifier for $1,299, which is actually a $100 price increase from when it was released last year; as of May 1st, Bluesound increased the prices of many of its products due to the "impact of these rising costs."
The Bluesound Powernode comes in two finishes: white or black.
Bluesound Powernode (2025)
About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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